Kilmarnock talisman Boyd broke the record by scoring a stunning early goal straight from kick-off, running onto a Gary Dicker header to deftly flick the ball over the onrushing Scott Fox.

Moments later Killie keeper Freddie Woodman had to be alert to deny Ross County striker Schalk as he bore down on goal.

And on seven minutes the Staggies struck an equaliser, when Routis slotted home from the edge of the penalty area as the home defence failed to clear their lines.

County then took the lead on 11 minutes when the Kilmarnock rearguard were again caught ball-watching in their own six-yard-box

Schalk was on hand to poke the ball into the net as it rebounded off the crossbar following a header from Kenny van der Weg.

The visitors came close to adding a third on the stroke of half-time as they counter-attacked following a Kilmarnock corner.

Schalk was the danger man once more with an enterprising run which led to him squaring the ball along the six-yard box

However, there was no County player on hand to add the finishing touch.

A tremendous save from County keeper Scott Fox kept the Staggies in front as he tipped over a Boyd header from point-blank range as Killie began to establish control of the match at the beginning of the second half.